The UK Government has launched a £1.5 million AI programme aiming to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions as part of the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio. 

The AI for Decarbonisation Programme comprises separate streams of grant funding to be launched in two initial stages as part of the £1 billion Net Zero programme. 

Stream 1, worth up to £500,000, will be made available to co-fund a virtual centre of excellence on AI innovation and decarbonisation through to March 2025. 

Stream 2, which is worth up to £1 million, will fund innovation projects which continue the development of AI technologists to support decarbonisation. 

Further funding is intended for 2023 to support priority areas in AI innovation identified by the virtual centre of excellence vital to achieve net zero. 

The program’s objective is to stimulate further innovation in the UK’s AI sector, specifically to use this technology to drive growth and achieve net zero ambitions. 

Science Minister George Freeman said: “The UK is one of the world’s most advanced AI economies, and AI technology is already having a transformative impact on our economy and society. But there is tremendous potential to do more.”

Recommended

• Digital transformation delays cost legal firms £1 million per project
• Apple and Google face CMA probe over mobile browser market ‘duopoly’
• Professional services firms ‘bearing the brunt’ of cyber attacks

Building on the National AI Strategy published last year, the new initiative encourages collaboration across technology, energy, and industrial sectors to meet the UK’s decarbonisation targets. 

“Putting this rapidly-evolving technology into action will enable us to save energy costs for businesses and households, create high-value, skilled jobs, and kickstart millions of pounds of private investment while supporting our net zero targets,” Green continued.

To meet net-zero goals, projects encouraged apply included uses of AI which could enable a faster transition to renewable energy, decarbonise industry by improving energy productivity and fuel switching, and decrease emissions in the agriculture sector. 

The programme opens for applications on 22 November 2022, and closes on 19 January 2022. Applications can be made through the AI for Decarbonisation funding page.

Get the latest news from DIGIT direct to your inbox

Our newsletter covers the latest technology and IT news from Scotland and beyond, as well as in-depth features and exclusive interviews with leading figures and rising stars.

To subscribe, click here.